Baker-Polito Administration Awards over $10 Million for Park and Open Space Projects
Funding Will Help 43 Grantees Develop Parks, Protect Conservation Areas, and Conserve Natural Resources
BOSTON – Building on efforts to enhance and protect natural resources, the Baker-Polito Administration today awarded $10,090,749 in grant funding for park improvements, open space acquisitions, and land conservation projects in 37 Massachusetts communities and six conservation districts. The grants, funded by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) capital budget and administered through several programs, including the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC), Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND), Conservation Partnership, and Conservation District Innovation Grant Programs, will help municipalities and land trusts in their efforts to protect land for future generations for outdoor recreation purposes. The announcement was made by Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito at the City of Lowell’s South Common as part of the Administration’s celebration of Climate Week in Massachusetts.
“Massachusetts has great open spaces and natural resources that not only provide recreation and access to the great outdoors, but make the Commonwealth more resilient to the impacts of climate change,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our Administration has made land conservation and local park improvements a key priority since coming into office in 2015, and our proposal to direct $100 million of federal relief funding into parks and open spaces will allow us to invest even more resources into these important projects, especially in Gateway Cities and underserved communities that need better access to green spaces.”
“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to the state’s green spaces and parks has never been more important to residents in every community across the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The PARC, LAND and Conservation Partnership programs all play a critical role in ensuring the public has many opportunities to explore and enjoy natural recourses that are available close to home, and we’re proud to work with partners in municipalities across the Commonwealth to support these park improvement projects.”
The Administration awarded $8 million through the PARC Grant Program to support 24 projects that will support the development of parks and outdoor recreational assets. The program was established in 1977 to assist cities and towns in acquiring and developing land for parks and outdoor recreation purposes. Any community with an up-to-date Open Space and Recreation Plan is eligible to apply for the program. Since 2015, the Administration has awarded $47 million to 153 projects to acquire land for and build new parks, and renovate existing ones..
Additionally, the Administration awarded $1.2 million to four projects through the LAND Grant Program. The program was established in 1961 to assist municipal conservation commissions in acquiring land for natural resource protection and passive outdoor recreation purposes. Since 2015, the Administration has awarded more than $16 million to support 75 projects that have permanently protected more than 4,576 acres.
“Through these programs, the Baker-Polito Administration is partnering with local communities and land trusts to protect critical open spaces and support the acquisition and restoration of local parks that provide important access to the outdoors, especially in our urban communities and Gateway Cities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “The enthusiasm and joy residents across our Commonwealth have for these special places and the strong desire to get outside throughout the pandemic demonstrate the need for even greater investments in resilient lands, natural resources, and outdoor recreation through Governor Baker’s ARPA spending plan.”
The Administration also awarded $740,000 to support nine projects through the Conservation Partnership Grant program. The program provides funding to assist non-public, not-for-profit corporations in acquiring interests in lands suitable for conservation or recreation purpose. Since 2015, the Administration has awarded $4.5 million to support 64 projects that have permanently protected more than 2,300 acres of land.
Additionally, the Conservation District Innovation Grant Program also offers funding to any of the conservation districts across the state to help conduct outreach and education, and implement new and innovative ideas for projects. The funding will also enable Conservation Districts to implement innovative projects to improve soil health, enhance carbon sequestration, and increase climate resilience.
“Investing in parks and open spaces represents one of the most impactful means of improving quality of life in a community, and I am grateful for the Baker-Polito Administration’s continued commitment to partnering with municipalities to support park improvement projects,” said Lowell City Manager Eileen Donoghue. “The support received through the PARC grant program will enable the City of Lowell to undertake significant enhancements to South Common and ensure that the historic park meets the current recreational needs of Lowell residents.”
“These grants represent important open space investments in communities all across the Commonwealth,” said State Senator Ed Kennedy (D-Lowell). “In Lowell, the award will allow the city to continue phase two of the South Common Master Plan by redoing the walking paths and center field. I want to thank the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for their administration of these important programs.”
“Thank you, Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito, for your invaluable assistance in securing these vital funds to protect and preserve our natural environment and expand our green space in the City of Lowell,” said State Representative Vanna Howard (D-Lowell). “Lowell needs more green space; and this is another great step towards that goal.”
Grantees of the programs are:
PARC Grant Program Awardees:
|
MUNICIPALITY |
PROJECT NAME |
PROJECT DESCRIPTION |
GRANT AWARD |
|
Chelsea |
Quigley Park |
The project
will include the installation of 2-5 and 5-12 age group play structures, a
dish swing, a multisport goal with painted graphics on asphalt, bike racks
and recycling barrels, new splash pad, rubber safety surfacing, new
utilities, and shaded seating areas. |
$400,000 |
|
Springfield |
Blunt Park |
The project
will include the installation of an accessible splash pad, accessible
connections to existing park amenities, and development of a woodland trail
system. |
$400,000 |
|
Malden |
Devir Park |
The project
will include the construction of a softball field, benches, and bleachers,
soccer field, an accessible walkway, new parallel parking, new basketball
courts, drainage improvements, playground improvements, and new trees. |
$400,000 |
|
Lawrence |
Reservoir
Park |
The project
will include a new playground and court renovations, accessibility upgrades,
exercise equipment, as well as seating, trash receptacles, and walking path
signage. |
$400,000 |
|
Somerville |
Somerville
Junction Park |
The project
will include planting trees and adding a splash pad, fitness area for teens
and adults, and community gardens. |
$400,000 |
|
Boston |
Winthrop
Playground |
The project
will include basketball and multisport courts with new fencing, an inclusive
children's play area, a water spray area, an exercise circuit, new benches,
game tables, and tree plantings. |
$400,000 |
|
Boston |
Sprague Pond
Shoreline Reserve |
The project
will include the acquisition of a 1.15 acre parcel on the shores of Sprague
Pond where the city may potentially develop a shoreline path. |
Up to $387,164 |
|
Greenfield |
Skate Park |
The project
will transform a parking lot into a new skatepark, creating newly dedicated
parkland. |
$400,000 |
|
Lowell |
South Common
Phase II |
The project
will include improvements to the central field, creation of an accessible
route to the surrounding walking track from the parking lot, and minor
repairs to the walking track at the park. |
$400,000 |
|
Southbridge |
Capillo Park
McCann Fields |
The project
will design and build a skatepark and handball court with a connecting path,
and playground features. |
$398,860 |
|
Fall River |
Kennedy Park
Tennis/Pickle Ball Courts |
The project
will include renovating four tennis courts and the creation of the city's
first official pickle ball courts. |
$400,000 |
|
Buckland |
Buckland
Recreation Area Pool |
The project
will include the rebuilding of a public swimming pool at the Buckland Recreation
Area. |
$400,000 |
|
Salisbury |
Partridge
Brook Park Phase II |
The project
will include an ADA skate park, roller/street hockey rink, soccer, lacrosse,
flag football fields, playground, solar trash cans, trails, and the walkway
along Partridge Brook, tree planting, educational signage, and public playing
areas. |
$400,000 |
|
Lynn |
Barry Park |
The project
will remove the existing bleachers, install accessible seating, expand
pervious surfaces in the park, and increase the number of shade trees. |
$400,000 |
|
Revere |
Accessibility
and Inclusion Park Renovation Project |
The project
will install safety surfacing at Harmon, Gibson, and Costa Parks, as well as
the planting of shade trees. |
$320,237 |
|
Plymouth |
Jenney Pond
Park |
The project
will improve public access to Jenney Pond, Pilgrim Trail, and connect to
Holmes Park. |
$400,000 |
|
Leominster |
Barrett Park
Phase II |
The project
will include the installation of playground equipment and an expanded picnic
area. |
$400,000 |
|
Gardner |
Bailey Brook
Park |
The project
will include the installation of a multi-sport court area and a play-trail
feature, which will be accessible to children of all abilities. |
$380,000 |
|
Peabody |
James Street
EcoCampus Hub |
The project
will make improvements to James Street Park that includes pathways,
stormwater improvements, parking, and a woodland boardwalk. |
$400,000 |
|
SMALL
TOWN GRANTS |
|||
|
Boylston |
Camp
Harrington Acquisition |
The project
will acquire the former YWCA Camp Harrington and develop the site for
recreational use. |
$100,000 |
|
Mansfield |
Plymouth
Street Recreational Facility |
The project
will reconstruct and reimagine the existing playground into a fully
accessible and ADA-compliant one with a shade structure, tables and trees. |
$100,000 |
|
Orange |
Butterfield
Park Renovation |
The project
will include improvements to the basketball and pickleball courts. |
$83,449 |
|
Southampton |
Conant Park
Improvements |
The project
will include improved accessibility to the park with a walking path and a
splash pad. |
$100,000 |
|
Whately |
Herlihy Park |
The project
will include accessibility improvements to restrooms, the pavilion, and
concessions area and the driveway and parking lot. |
$62,588 |
LAND Grant Program
Awardees:
|
Municipality |
Project
Name |
Project
Description |
Grant
Award |
|
Easthampton |
Reservation
Road |
The project
will protect open space, wildlife habitat, and public access to Mt. Tom. |
$245,412 |
|
Kingston |
Blackwater
Memorial Forest |
The project
will protect land coming out of Chapter 61A, a 4-acre cranberry bog, 8-acres
of a spring-fed pond, Sampson's Brook, and 36-acres of surrounding
hilled/forested uplands. |
$400,000 |
|
Rockland |
McCarthy
Farm |
The purpose
of the acquisition is to permanently protect 36.3 acres of land known as
McCarthy Farm, which was until recently a working family farm. |
$400,000 |
|
Provincetown |
Old Colony
Pathway Addition |
The
beech-maple-oak forest is BioMap2 Core Habitat and will support the
Provincetown Greenway, a corridor between the densely-developed downtown and
the open dunes of the National Seashore. |
$156,689 |
Conservation Partnership Grant Program Awardees:
|
Awardee |
Project
Name |
Project
Description |
Grant Award |
|
Rochester
Land Trust |
Doggett
Brook Conservation Project |
The project
will protect ecological, agricultural, and water resources and provide public
access to the property, as well as connections to adjacent conservation lands
for outdoor passive recreational activities. |
$85,000 |
|
Orleans
Conservation Trust |
Henson's
Cove Conservation Area Project |
The parcel
will complete the creation of the 23-acre Henson Cove Conservation Area with
saltwater frontage, which provides climate resilience, and is suitable as a
nesting area for northern diamondback terrapins and eastern box turtles with
its fresh and saltwater wildlife habitats. |
$85,000 |
|
Essex County
Greenbelt Association |
Corliss Hill
Conservation Project |
The project
will preserve Haverhill's drinking water supply, rare species habitat, and
working farmland. |
$85,000 |
|
Brewster
Conservation Trust |
Red Top
Forest Trail Link |
The property
is notable for its habitat for rare and native species, adjacency to BCT and
Town of Brewster conserved lands, and connectivity between existing public
trail systems on 65 and 51 acres, respectively. |
$85,000 |
|
Buzzards Bay
Coalition |
Hammett Cove
Saltmarsh Conservation Project |
The project
will permanently protect a 13-acre parcel of undeveloped land on Hammett Cove
near the village center of Marion, containing upland forest, pristine
saltmarsh, and critical wildlife habitats. |
$85,000 |
|
Kestrel Land
Trust, Inc. |
Lampson
Brook Forest |
The
project's two forested parcels were once part of the State School at Lampson
Brook, which are currently used by the local community, comprised of a
network of recreational trails and logging roads, mature and managed woodlands,
expansive wetlands, and views of the surrounding valleys and the Mt. Holyoke
Range. |
$85,000 |
|
Greater
Worcester Land Trust |
Packachoag
Spring Site |
The project
is being submitted in partnership with the Nipmuc Community to help protect
the historically significant site that will be co-managed and used as a
contemplative and meditative site. |
$59,350 |
|
Truro
Conservation Trust |
Pond Village
Preserve Expansion |
The project
will support the protection of a pine/oak woodland, habitat for species of
conservation concern, water resources, land with historic and scenic
character, and expand on existing protected open space. |
$85,000 |
|
Harwich
Conservation Trust |
Hinckleys
Pond - Herring River Headwaters |
The one-acre
acquisition will help leverage preservation of a greater 31-acre land
assemblage and enable the future ecological restoration of a retired
cranberry bog. |
$85,000 |
Conservation District
Innovation Grant Awardees:
|
Awardee |
Project
Name |
Project
Description |
Grant Award |
|
Berkshire Conservation
District |
Berkshire Pollinator and
Native Plant Initiative |
Grant funds will be used
to implement the Pollinator and Native Plant Initiative with the goal of
supporting and promoting greater adoption of pollinator habitats, improving
healthy soil practices across all landscapes, and increasing the number of
pollinator-friendly communities. |
$42,000 |
|
Dukes Conservation
District |
Building Community
Awareness, Interest and Support for Agriculture |
Funds will be used for a
series of workshops and outreach initiatives to be held this fall and over
the winter. |
$7,000 |
|
Franklin
Conservation District |
Library-Based
Conservation Outreach & Education, plus Pollinator Model Project |
The project will develop
& deliver an educational outreach program at participating public
libraries across Franklin County. The educational content will focus on many
facets of "resiliency" – including healthy soils, climate change,
pollinator habitat, and food security – and will target all populations
within the county, adults and children alike, with particular attention to
underserved communities and urbanized areas. To attract interest, the program
will also involve the creation of pollinator gardens at a few libraries. |
$42,000 |
|
Hampden Hampshire
Conservation District |
Healthy Soils &
Urban Agriculture Education and Outreach |
The District
will use grant funds to work with local
libraries, schools, and other identified agencies to promote: Healthy Soils
(commercial farming; suburban and urban lawns, yards and gardens; public and
private forests, parks and other open or green spaces based on the Healthy Soils
Action Plan) and Urban Farming to benefit underserved neighborhoods
(Springfield and Holyoke). They will also develop and execute a curriculum to
teach Soil Health and Urban Agriculture. |
$42,000 |
|
Middlesex Conservation
District |
Conservation Outreach to
Maximize Environmental Resilience, Soil Health, Carbon Sequestration,
Biodiversity and Landowner Expertise |
With grant funds the
Middlesex Conservation District (MCD) will provide outreach regarding soil
health, organic practices, and carbon sequestration, with the aim of building
climate resilience, biodiversity and landowner expertise. |
$42,000 |
|
Worcester
Conservation District |
Healthy
Soils Initiative |
The Soil Health
Initiative will offer soil testing, site visits, and technical assistance to
all Worcester County landowners, students, and citizens to help them maintain
soil health, protect water quality, and promote wildlife habitat. The
District will also work with the NRCS to implement good soil and habitat
conservation practices, help implement the Massachusetts Healthy Soils Action
Plan, and provide technical assistance and about soil health and other
natural resource concerns. |
$42,000 |
During this year’s Climate
Week in Massachusetts, the Baker-Polito Administration is highlighting its
commitment to reducing emissions, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and
building a more resilient Commonwealth. Throughout Climate Week, the
Administration is holding events to spotlight important initiatives including
offshore wind, land protection and conservation, the Greening the Gateway
Cities program, and the expansion of clean energy in the Commonwealth. The
Administration is also highlighting the urgent demand for funding to support
climate resiliency in Massachusetts, and Governor Baker’s plan to immediately put to use part of
Commonwealth’s direct federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to
support critical priorities in cities and towns. The Administration’s plan
would commit $900 million to key energy and environmental initiatives,
including $400 million to modernize critical water infrastructure and $300
million to support local climate resilience projects.
